Author: Bradley Martinez
This summer witnesses adidas revisit it’s ZX archives with the ZX Torsion.
The ZX series was first designed as a running shoe for all types of runners, allowing those casual joggers and long-distance runners to have a solid foundation between them and the ground they were running on.
These models also allowed adidas to explore new technologies, such as the Soft Cell Cushioning and Torsion.
Torsion technology first found itself on three adidas shoes in 1989. They were the first of their kind and each had been designed for a different purpose. The ZX7000G was made for runners that needed guidance, allowing for natural energy transfer assisting with how the runners foot strikes the ground. The ZX8000C was brought about with the idea of cushioning and the ZX9000S for support, each being the first of their kinds.
Ever since it’s introduction, the ZX series has grown into more of a cult following and its audience has grown away from just those who run, but also to those who love what the ZX series represents.
When reimagining the ZX Torsion, adidas retained it’s classic silhouette, this is in keeping with the materials and colour palette used. A heavy mesh is used for the base with a vibrant Cyan blue suede and leather are used as over lays which is reminiscent to the ZX8000 ‘Aqua’.
Another thing the ZX Torsion keeps is its distinctive two-piece midsole however, with the 2019 ZX Torsion, it now has the added technology of a full-length BOOST unit within the sole. Coupling this with the Torsion bar on the underside, it brings two ground-breaking technologies together and allows for maximum comfort and responsiveness to the wearer.
The adidas ZX Torsion BOOST is available in-store and online.
This summer see’s New Balance introduce a new technology platform called Triplecell. New Balance have teamed up with Formlabs to help develop high performance materials. Created with the use of 3D printed technology, they have been able to develop components that deliver closer to traditional performance than ever before.
Using a new photopolymer resin called Rebound Resin, this was designed to be a resilient structure on the heel whilst still allowing for the added spring, giving a much higher energy return to the user.
For this introduction, New Balance have taken and reimagined a classic silhouette with the 990 Sport. With the use of Triplecell technology in the heel, the 990 3D Sport manages to deliver the same cushioning experience of the classic with the benefit of being 10% lighter than the 990v5.
Exclusive to New Balance and Footpatrol, the New Balance 990v5 is available Now Available online. Sizes range from UK5.5 – UK11.5 (including half sizes), priced at £200.
Last week saw us host the fourth and final instalment of the Real Talk Sessions that we have been hosting with Future Bubblers as part of Soho Music Month.
This episode saw us delve into performing live and ‘How do I do it?’
This week saw Selassie tbc host this episode’s guest speakers, Mala (@maladmz) and Rebecca Prochnik (@earthmusicagency). Those that came down to the event were able to gain a real understanding into both sides of the musical industry. From looking after your acts and promoting them to the pressures and enjoyments from performing live in-front of a couple of hundred people, too a few thousand.
At the end of the events, we hosted a Q&A section, giving those in attendance the chance to gain a personal insight into their journeys or any advice.
Scroll through the photos below to see this evenings events and keep an eye out for a video to follow soon.
With the Real Talk Sessions now at an end, we’d just like to thank everyone at Future Bubblers (@futurebubblers) to hosting the events, all of the guest speakers who took time to give an insight into their field and for all of those who came down to be a part of this.
Spark Progress…
During the past 100 years, Converse has been committed to the shoe’s continual reinvention. This is evident in design and materialisation, where the Chuck Taylor All Star has been the natural starting point for a number of fabric and construction experiments.
Converse Renew, emblematic of a new era of Converse design, takes on the challenge of, and finds solutions for, product creation using post-consumer and post-industrial waste.
It blends a new approach to materials with inventive new methods of manufacturing with a singular aim: develop new and more sustainable ways of making Converse icons.
Renew Canvas: the same feel and look as traditional Converse canvas, except now made from 100 percent recycled polyester that came from used plastic bottles.
Renew Denim: using an in-house upcycling process, denim jeans that were diverted from landfills serve as the first example of Converse’s capacity to turn single-source upcycled textiles into a Chuck Taylor All Star or Chuck 70.
Renew Cotton: this proprietary process transforms cotton canvas waste from the manufacturing process to create a composite 40 percent recycled cotton with polyester to form a new yarn.
Future seasons will see the exploration of more recycled blends.
Last month Nike and ourselves hosted the comeback of the Nike Air Max Tailwind IV for the first time since 1999 in Paris. The model was a huge hit in the French capital and was only right to host a celebratory function where the silhouette was hugely admired.
In addition, this coincided with our very own 1 year anniversary since we first opened our doors in Paris. Celebrating our new home and the people we’ve met and served and engaged with along the way.
Within the Air Max Tailwind IV roll out, we partnered with Paris creative agency Yard to photograph locals who welcomed our store and some who work within the Le Marais district. Each portrait were taken outside their workplace or favourite place to be at wearing the up and coming colourways including the original and in turn the background were images of the Parisian area to create a fly poster style image.
The event was held in a loft space to be focused around a house party environment, including a bar, sofa and tables to give off the Parisian style home environment. The posters of each person involved within the campaign were showcased as well as the Air Max Tailwind IV’s. 5 DJ’s including our very own Cherry B and Clems provided the music and Paperboy produced the food for the night.
A host of lucky winners from entering on the Nike SNKRS app were also in attendance to pick up their pair of Air Max Tailwind IV as well as extras. Moreover, the event was filled with good vibes and energy and the Paris team certainly enjoyed their time!
Thank you to all who come and celebrated at the event.
#TEAMFP
On Friday 21st June 2019, we partnered with Nike to host a launch event for the Nike Air Max 90 QS ‘Side A & Side B’ release.
Over the years, the Air Max 90 model has gone through a host of iterations with the silhouette being a catalyst of updated technology such as hyperfuse, flyknit as well as an Ultra version.
The ‘Side A & Side B’ release took inspiration from some of the most sought-after 90 releases over the past decade. A combination of classic and premium materials as well as written details make up an Air Max 90 filled with nostalgia.
We partnered up with Nike and Breaks Agency to host an event in London, Soho to commemorate the inspiration behind the both iterations. Hosted in Soho’s Phonica record store, we had 5 DJs go back to back and an opening set from Noire, respectively.
In addition, we photographed Lucy and Oneman who are 2 of the 5 DJ’s involved, wearing the Nike Air Max 90 QS ‘Side A & Side B’.
Thank you to all who come and celebrated at the event. #TEAMFP
